Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh and is scheduled to dedicate multiple development projects worth over Rs 17,900 crore to the nation during his visit.
The Prime Minister was received at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Greenfield airport has been developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost of over Rs 5,640 crore and has the capacity to handle six million passengers annually.
The passenger terminal has been designed to provide a modern, seamless and efficient travel experience while incorporating advanced infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology and sustainable features to meet future aviation requirements.
The airport is equipped with technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Airside 4.0 systems, an Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC), biometric passenger processing, automated baggage handling systems, and intelligent operational monitoring solutions. These technologies are expected to improve operational efficiency, passenger convenience, safety and resource utilisation.
The project also incorporates several sustainability measures, including energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, energy-efficient lighting, a 5 MW solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, smart building management systems, waste management initiatives, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and environmental monitoring systems. The terminal has been designed in accordance with Green Building Standards and is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The airport’s architectural design draws inspiration from Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage. According to the PMO, the terminal’s roof profile reflects traditional Chuttilu cottages and the landscape of the Araku Valley, while its flowing form symbolises the graceful movement of a flying fish, blending regional architectural elements with contemporary airport design.
The PMO said the airport is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, investment and employment generation in Andhra Pradesh while strengthening air connectivity across the region.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Mysuru, Karnataka, where he will inaugurate the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre – Viveka Smaraka at the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama and address a public gathering.
(With inputs from ANI)
